Liverpool's Injury Concerns Ahead of Premier League Opener

Andoni Iraola faces an anxious wait over the fitness of several key Liverpool players as he prepares for his first Premier League game in charge away to Newcastle United on Sunday.

The new head coach steps into competitive action with his squad already stretched. Four senior players are definitely out, three of them long-term absentees, stripping depth from several areas of the pitch before a ball has even been kicked in the league.

Injuries and Absentees

Hugo Ekitike is unlikely to feature again this calendar year after suffering a serious Achilles injury in early April, a major blow to Liverpool’s attacking options. At right-back, Conor Bradley is still working his way back from the major knee damage he picked up at Arsenal in early January, leaving Iraola short of a natural alternative on that flank.

In central defence, Giovanni Leoni is at least moving in the right direction. The centre-back is edging closer to a return to first-team training after being sidelined since last September with an ACL injury, but this weekend comes too soon. Joe Gomez is also unavailable, the defender still troubled by the muscle problem he sustained in the opening pre-season friendly against Sunderland.

The problems do not stop there. Curtis Jones, who has attracted transfer interest from Inter, has missed the last two weekends with a hip issue and remains a doubt for the trip to St James’ Park. In goal, Freddie Woodman sat out both friendlies against Como on Sunday after managing an injury throughout pre-season, leaving question marks over his readiness for the opener.

Youth is not spared either. Young striker Jayden Danns and midfielder Stefan Bajcetic are both ruled out as they recover from muscle problems, removing two more options from Iraola’s bench at a time when he might have needed them most.

Newcastle's Situation

Newcastle, dealing with significant departures of their own this summer, are hardly in perfect shape either. Joelinton is sidelined for several weeks with an undisclosed problem, depriving Eddie Howe of one of his most physical and versatile midfielders. At the back, Valentino Livramento and Fabian Schar are both rated doubtful for Liverpool’s visit, adding defensive uncertainty to a side already in transition.

Two clubs, one opening weekend, and a growing injury list on both sides. Iraola’s first Premier League selection may say as much about who is missing as who makes the cut.